Sunday, 3 November 2013

Granny Square Scarf Tutorial

Granny Squares are so easy to crochet, great for beginners, and can make a super cheerful cosy scarf.

I LOVE my new scarf because:a) It's beautifulb) It costs nothing (as its a stash buster only made with wool I already had)c) It only took 2 weeksd) It's really pretty...Originally I was going to do a real sampler of all different granny square patterns but then I realised I couldn't possibly find enough different squares that would all be the same size so half of the squares are the most traditional pattern I know, the rest are a mixture of different ones.

Do you want to make one? Here's how:

You need:

DK Wool (worsted) - whatever colours you like, I had 7 different bright colours and plenty of at least 1 more colour for edging (mine is black)

Crochet hook, mine was 5mm

My scarf measures 23cm/9" x 224cm/87" Make 38 granny squares.I mostly used patterns* from Little Tin Bird (her tutorials are so clear) using basic granny square, circles in squares, a tweaked version of bullseye squares where I only did 2 rounds then in my 3rd round just grouped the stitches I had so I would end up 12 "bunches" with a couple of chain in each corner, and a few I just made up as I went along.As long as they come out the same size you can do whatever patterns you like. There are hundreds out there on 'tinternet (and even in books - remember them! )*Just remember the patterns from Little Tin Bird are UK terminology, if you are in the US then where it says Treble you do Double. I print out patterns and write all over them if they are not UK versions so I don't forget what I'm doing half way through.

I did each square with 3 multicoloured rounds then joined them all together at the end with this joining technique from Make My Day Creative using black wool. I strongly advise saving this job for the daylight if you use a dark colour - If I ever make anything with dark colours at night I see all my mistakes in the cold light of day!Once all the squares were joined I went round the whole thing with DC (SC in US terms) in black, doing 3 stitches in the same stitch on the corners. Then another round in pink, then a last black round. It curls a little bit but I don't care!On reflection I think it would be better if I'd turned the work over and done the pink row from the other side, I have a feeling that would stop the slight curling.

Have fun, make your favourite granny squares or try a load of new ones. If you don't crochet already then this is a great way to start, it's quick and easy, and you could make your scarf half as long if you get fed up - it will still be lovely!

My hilarious son took the outside pictures, I said "take some close up so people can see the scarf" so he did:

Sum of their Stories

21 comments:

Very pretty, I've never crocheted before, when you say it took two weeks, how many hours a day did you spend on it? I have no patience, that's why I stay away from things like knitting and crochet...I'd love to try this though

Hi, I crochet when I'm watching TV of an evening, and the squares take me about 15 - 20 mins each. I did get a bit obsessed with this, I couldn't wait to finish and wear it! The good thing about squares is that you get almost instant gratification, each one is quick and not complicated. And your scarf could be only 1 square wide and no where near as long as mine if you get fed up! Crochet is way quicker than knitting, I would recommend just having a go - what's the worse that can happen? You make a few squares, get fed up and use them as coasters! or you might get "hooked" (sorry, couldn't resist)

Hi there - I'm a new follower, found you at the Collective Blog Hop. This scarf looks beautiful with loads of lovely granny squares. I'm currently learning to crotchet and having a go at granny squares at the moment. I'd love to create something like this

Nooooo, give crochet a bash, then come back to the knitting later! Crochet is way quicker so you get much more instant gratification. (now you can see why I have so many different things on the go at once!)

Hi Emma, sometimes even the type of wool can work up differently and mess the size up. You can block your work afterwards by wetting it and pinning the shape out to dry to even things up (I never bother but I know some people do with great results) Or you can just go with it and embrace the hand crafted quality of your work!

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